Mitchell woman pleads guilty to DUI-related child abuse

A Mitchell woman pleaded guilty in federal court to child abuse for driving while intoxicated with a minor in the vehicle.

Carla J. Big Eagle, 42, was originally indicted in November 2010 on four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. The current charge stems from an incident in May 2008 when Big Eagle drove a vehicle with a minor inside. At the time she was driving, Big Eagle had a blood alcohol level of 0.211. The legal driving limit in South Dakota is 0.08.

She pleaded guilty to child abuse Wednesday in federal court in Pierre.

A presentence investigation was ordered. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 19.

Tags: child abuse, news, updates, crime, courts, dui